Oxalis: the clover plant which, if touched, shoots its seeds up to 4 metres

Oxalis, commonly known as sorrel or sour cloveris a plant belonging to the family of Oxalidaceae. This genus includes over 570 species distributed throughout the world, some of which are well known for their particular method of seed dispersal: ballistic dispersal.

Among the best-known species of Oxalis with this characteristic we find theOxalis stricta (yellow sorrel) and theOxalis corniculata (creeping sorrel). These plants develop pods which, once ripe, open with a small pop as soon as they are touched or subjected to a slight vibration. This explosion allows the seeds to be thrown up to 4 meters away from the mother plant.

How ballistic dispersion works

The ballistic dispersal mechanism is an evolutionary adaptation that allows the plant to colonize large areas of land. The Oxalis pods, once dry and ripe, accumulate tension inside them. When disturbed, they open rapidly, hurling seeds in every direction. This allows the plant to reproduce effectively, often making it invasive in gardens and urban green areas.

A fascinating natural phenomenon

Despite being considered a weed in many regions, Oxalis remains fascinating for its “explosive” behavior. It is a plant commonly found in lawns, gardens and roadsides, and its ability to cast seeds makes it particularly difficult to control.

If you happen to see one of these plants in the garden, you can witness this little natural spectacle: just gently touch a ripe pod and watch the seeds being launched from a distance.

The Oxalis

The Oxalis genus includes over 570 species distributed throughout the world, and is known for its clover-shaped leaves. The most common is theOxalis strictaa small herbaceous plant that grows easily in gardens and green areas. Its leaves can vary from green to red or purple, depending on the species, and are often edible, used in some culinary traditions for their slightly acidic flavour, due to the potassium oxalate present in the plant.

Food and medicinal properties

Some species of Oxalis, such as theOxalis acetosellaare traditionally used in cooking and folk medicine. The leaves of this plant are edible and are used to give a acidic touch to salads, sauces and drinks. However, it is best to consume them in moderation as they contain calcium oxalate, a substance which, in large quantities, can be toxic. In the past, Oxalis leaves were also used to treat minor digestive disorders or mild inflammation.

An invasive plant?

Oxalis is considered one weed plant in many parts of the world due to its ability to reproduce rapidly through seed dispersal and underground stolons. Its ability to launch seeds up to 4 meters makes it difficult to control their spread, as it can quickly colonize new areas. In some regions, such as North America and Europe, it is particularly invasive, and can become a threat to native plants, competing for light, space and nutrients.

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